There's something liberating about having a routine. Routines save time and mental bandwidth, two valuable and finite resources that need to be allocated wisely! I love to get creative with my hair and makeup, but most days I stick to a simple, quick routine that helps me look rested, healthy, and polished. Read on for a breakdown of the products and techniques that I use on a daily basis.

Step 1: Prep

I start with a clean, moisturized, and sunblock-ed face. My products and tools are as follows:

Nars Sheer Glow Foundation in Punjab
Kett Cosmetics Fixx Creme in CC Light, Medium
Nyx Suede Collection Eye Shadow Palette #2, #5
Kett setting powder
MUD Cheek Color in Poppy
Baby oil
Mud mascara
Scandal-eyes liquid liner
Tweezerman eyelash curler
Esum G53 blush brush
Esum G49 powder brush
Esum T45 liquid foundation brush
Esum T41 concealer brush
Esum W35 eyeshadow brush

Step 2: Skin

I pour a few drops of Nars foundation onto the inside of my wrist (where it's warmest) and lightly apply with the T45 brush to neutralize any redness - usually around my T-zone (forehead, nose, mouth) and eyelids.
Then I blend the Fixx Creme concealer in light and medium with the T41 and apply under my eyes. Here's a more detailed Instructable on how to conceal dark under-eye circles.

Step 3: Setting Powder

I pour a little bit of setting powder into the lid of the jar that it comes in, then swirl the G49 into it and lightly dust my face. This creates a smooth service for adding color and helps the makeup last longer.

Step 4: Blush

Using the G53, I apply just a touch of the MUD blush to my cheeks - lightly from the apples across the cheekbones for a healthy, subtle daytime look.

Step 5: Eyeshadow

Using the broader side of the W35, I apply the Nyx Suede Collection eyeshadow #2 (a pale taupe) across the whole eyelid, and then use the angled side of same brush to apply the #5 (a charcoal) closer to the lashline and blend out. If you have heavily-lidded eyes, you might want to apply the charcoal into the crease rather than blending at the lashline.

Step 6: Eyeliner

I obsess over a good cateye. Here's how I draw mine:

Using the Scandal-eyes liquid liner, I first draw a line across the top of my lash line.
Then I decide where I want the corner of the cateye to be, lay the tip of the liner brush at that corner and draw inward toward my lashline.
Finally, I go back and add liner under my lash line to fill in any gaps. This probably does more to make my lashes look fuller than even adding mascara.

Step 7: Final Touches

To finish, I apply 2 coats of mascara to my top lashes and 1 coat to the bottom. Then I rub the tiniest amount of baby oil into my palms and apply to the tops of my cheeks and onto my lips to seal in hydration and give my skin a nice glow.

Voila! A fresh, everyday makeup look in 10 minutes or less.

Thanks for reading this Instructable! You can follow me on Instagram at @KirikoKikuchi or shoot me an email at KirikoKikuchi@gmail.com.